ex-vvd-minister roept op tot boycot wk 2026 vanwege trump

2026-02-06 politiek

Den Haag, vrijdag, 6 februari 2026.
Voormalig vicepremier Annemarie Jorritsma pleit voor een boycot van het WK voetbal 2026 in de Verenigde Staten. Ze baseert dit op bezorgdheid over het politieke klimaat onder een mogelijke Trump-regerering. Haar oproep richt zich expliciet tot de KNVB. Ze benadrukt dat sport en politiek niet los kunnen staan. Dit veroorzaakt debat over morele verantwoordelijkheid bij internationale toernooien. Tot nu toe blijft de bond stil. Haar standpunt komt nadat zij eerder kritiek kreeg op nevenfuncties en beleidsposities. Of haar stem doorslaat, is onzeker.

former vvd minister calls for 2026 world cup boycott over trump concerns

Former Vice President and VVD politician Annemarie Jorritsma has called for the Netherlands national team to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Her appeal specifically targets the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB). She cites growing unease over the political atmosphere linked to a potential second term for Donald Trump [1]. Jorritsma argues that sports cannot remain separate from politics in such circumstances [2]. The suggestion has ignited debate on the ethics of international tournament participation under contested host regimes [3].

political and public reaction remains divided

While Jorritsma’s position highlights moral considerations, it also draws scrutiny due to her past record. Critics point out her silence during previous controversies, including human rights concerns surrounding the Qatar 2022 World Cup [4]. Skepticism intensifies as some media outlets frame her appeal with irony, referencing prior scandals involving illegal heat pumps in Almere and governance failures at the Floriade exhibition [5]. Observers question whether her current stance reflects genuine principle or symbolic posturing [6]. As of now, the KNVB has issued no official response to her request [7].

broader implications for sport and foreign policy

The discussion extends beyond one athlete or nation. It raises questions about Europe’s relationship with shifting US politics, especially regarding right-wing leadership figures like Donald Trump [8]. Jorritsma explicitly criticized both Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling the combination unacceptable [9]. Although not currently holding office, her voice carries weight given her history as a senior minister and mayor [10]. Whether this leads to institutional action depends on broader consensus among Dutch policymakers and civil society groups concerned with global event diplomacy [11].

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Annemarie Jorritsma WK-voetbal